Shut the water off first
Find the main shutoff valve, usually near the water meter, where the line enters the house, or in a garage or utility closet. Closing it stops the flow while the plumbing is repaired by a plumber. Restoration contractors handle the water already released, not the pipe repair itself.
Frozen pipes
Water expands as it freezes, and the pressure build-up between an ice blockage and a closed faucet can split a pipe. The leak often appears only after thawing. Pipes in exterior walls, attics, crawl spaces and unheated garages are the most exposed.
Ceiling and second-floor leaks
When a pipe fails above a ceiling, water collects on top of the drywall and can cause it to sag. Stay out from under a sagging ceiling. Contractors often open a small section to drain it and get air into the cavity for drying.
Why fast drying matters here
Supply-line water starts as Category 1 clean water, but it can degrade as it sits in contact with building materials and dust. Drying it before that happens keeps more materials salvageable.
Questions
Will the contractor fix the pipe?
Restoration contractors handle water removal and drying. The pipe repair itself is normally done by a plumber. Ask the contractor on the call how they coordinate.
Is Water Damage Restore a plumbing company?
No. Water Damage Restore is a referral service that connects callers with independent restoration contractors and does not perform the work.